Zibby Mag

By Kathleen Harris

I recently saw the best graduation gift idea: a copy of Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go! but the mom had every single one of her child’s teachers (starting in kindergarten) write a personalized note inside of it. She presented the book to her daughter at her high school graduation. It’s the kind of thing you love because it’s so clever and hate because you wish you had thought of it.

If you’re anything like me (potentially the worst keepsake organizer on the planet) you’ll need a backup plan. Here are eight amazing books that can be just as meaningful (and helpful!) to your grad.

In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It by Lauren Graham

If your kid is partly responsible for the Gilmore Girls resurgence, chances are they’ll jump at the chance for advice from iconic TV mom Lorelai Gilmore. In this expansion of her viral commencement speech, you’ll find such inspiration as: “Whatever path you choose, whatever career you decide to go after, the important thing is that you keep finding joy in what you’re doing, especially when the joy isn’t finding you.” The best part: it’s short and sweet (coming in at 64 pages).

She Memes Well: Essays by Quinta Brunson

Does your child have aspirations to be Insta-famous? (Who doesn’t?) Writer and producer Quinta Brunson is now known for her award-winning series Abbott Elementary, but her first claim to fame was her iconic BuzzFeed videos. In this equally funny and heartfelt collection of essays, Brunson takes the reader on a journey of her personal growth and how she became queen of the memes. The true gems, though, are buried between the laughs. Listen to Quinta’s interview with Zibby.

My What If Year by Alisha Fernandez Miranda

Our inaugural Zibby Book will resonate with many college grads who are panicked about making the perfect career choices. My What If Year recounts Fernandez Miranda’s journey to rediscover the dream jobs of her youth. As a 40-year-old intern, Alisha finds the joy (and hilarity) in trying things out, asking herself the tough questions (what do I even like to do?!), and finally giving herself permission to not have it all figured out. A great message for grads.

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country by Amanda Gorman

When 22-year-old Amanda Gorman took the stage at President Biden’s inauguration, her words immediately captivated a nation. The poem she read, “The Hill We Climb,” spoke of peace, love, unity, and healing. Now in gift book format with a foreword by Oprah, it’s a wonderful addition to any grad’s bookshelf.

The Myth of the Nice Girl by Fran Hauser

After being asked repeatedly, “How can you be so nice and successful?” Hauser, a former media president turned angel investor and author, knew she had to flip the script on the old trope that you need to be mean to succeed. This candid guide is for ambitious women who want to change the antiquated business rules—and it’s packed with tips and tools on how to do it. If your grad has any doubts that they can be ambitious and kind, this book is a must read. Listen to Fran discuss her new book, Embrace the Work, Love Your Career.

100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings by Sarah Cooper

This hilarious book breaks down office culture into compact illustrative tips and suggestions. If your college grad needs some levity as they start (or look for) their first jobs, try this tome. It’s packed with “useful” advice like: “Draw a Venn diagram” and “Continuously nod while pretending to take notes.”

The Bad Mood Book by Swan Huntley

If you want to send your kid off with great coping skills, look no further than this clever book. The description says it all: “If you’re hoping to be reminded that you should be grateful and happy, then this is not the book for you. This book is here to help you sink deeper into your bad mood and ask some questions. How did you get here? What does it mean? What’s the most effective cure for a total loss of perspective?” Packed with humor and witty illustrations, Huntley’s book will help your grad tackle any obstacle coming their way. Available June 6. (Save the date: Swan’s upcoming thriller I Want You More will be published by Zibby Books in August 2024.)

I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai

If your grad is overindexed on life advice and inspiration, give them a juicy read that will make their time at school seem (hopefully!) relatively tame. Pulitzer Prize finalist Rebbeca Makkai’s latest literary thriller is about a successful podcaster who returns to her New Hampshire boarding school to teach a class, yet winds up reliving her youth and her senior year roommate’s murder. It’s a juicy read and a fun escape. Listen to the backstory in Zibby’s interview with Rebecca.